U.S. patent application number 11/218800 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-05 for low profile active shock module prosthesis.
Invention is credited to Christophe Guy Lecomte, Heidrun Gigja Ragnarsdottir.
Application Number | 20060004467 11/218800 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34376933 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060004467 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lecomte; Christophe Guy ; et
al. |
January 5, 2006 |
Low profile active shock module prosthesis
Abstract
In one embodiment, an impact and torque-absorbing module for a
low profile lower limb prosthesis comprises two support members
telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion
therebetween. A resilient element resists axial displacement of the
two support members, and a torque resisting cuff resists rotational
displacement of the two support members. Precompression of the
resilient element can reduce the size of the shock module making it
more compact. The resilient element can also be replaced allowing
adjustment of the shock absorption.
Inventors: |
Lecomte; Christophe Guy;
(Reykjavik, IS) ; Ragnarsdottir; Heidrun Gigja;
(Reykjavik, IS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
34376933 |
Appl. No.: |
11/218800 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10674736 |
Sep 30, 2003 |
|
|
|
11218800 |
Sep 2, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
623/35 ; 267/154;
623/38; 623/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/66 20130101; A61F
2002/30372 20130101; A61F 2002/5003 20130101; A61F 2002/6642
20130101; A61F 2002/6685 20130101; A61F 2002/30365 20130101; A61F
2220/0033 20130101; A61F 2002/5055 20130101; A61F 2002/6664
20130101; A61F 2002/5007 20130101; A61F 2002/6621 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
623/035 ;
623/052; 623/038; 267/154 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/66 20060101
A61F002/66; A61F 2/62 20060101 A61F002/62; F16F 1/14 20060101
F16F001/14 |
Claims
1 An impact and torque-absorbing prosthetic shock module
comprising: an inner support member; an outer support member, said
inner and outer support members being coaxially supported relative
to one another and capable of relative rotation and axial
translation; a resilient element resisting axial displacement of
the support members; a torque resisting cuff providing torsional
resistance to relative rotational motion between said support
members wherein said cuff has a generally tubular shape and is
proximally attached to an outer surface of one of said support
members and distally attached to an outer surface of the other of
said support members; and an adapter for proximally attaching said
shock module to a stump-supporting socket or intermediate device,
wherein said adapter can be at least partly removed to allow
replacement of the resilient element, and wherein said adapter is
attached with a pinch bolt.
2. An impact and torque-absorbing prosthetic shock module
comprising: an inner support member; an outer support member, said
inner and outer support members being coaxially supported relative
to one another and capable of relative rotation and axial
translation; a resilient element resisting axial displacement of
the support members; a torque resisting cuff providing torsional
resistance to relative rotational motion between said support
members wherein said cuff has a generally tubular shape and is
proximally attached to an outer surface of one of said support
members and distally attached to an outer surface of the other of
said support members; and an adapter for proximally attaching said
shock module to a stump-supporting socket or intermediate device,
wherein said adapter can be at least partly removed to allow
replacement of the resilient element, and wherein said adapter is
hingedly attached to said shock module.
3. An impact and torque-absorbing prosthetic shock module for a low
profile prosthesis comprising: an inner support member; an outer
support member, said inner and outer support members being
coaxially supported relative to one another and capable of relative
rotation and axial translation; a resilient element in
precompression, resisting axial displacement of the support
members; a torque resisting cuff providing torsional resistance to
relative rotational motion between said support members wherein
said cuff has a generally tubular shape and is proximally attached
to an outer surface of one of said support members and distally
attached to an outer surface of the other of said support members;
and an adapter for proximally attaching said shock module to a
stump-supporting socket or intermediate device.
4. The shock module of claim 3, wherein the axial length of the
torque resisting cuff is greater than about half the axial length
of the inner support member.
5. The shock module of claim 3 further comprising a bearing between
the inner and outer support members.
6. The shock module of claim 3, wherein the torque resisting cuff
has a maximum uncompressed diameter of about 50 mm or less.
7. The shock module of claim 3, wherein the maximum axial
displacement of one support member relative to the other support
member is about 9 to 10 mm.
8. The shock module of claim 3, wherein said shock module has a
maximum axial length of no more than about 130 mm.
9. The shock module of claim 3, wherein the resilient element
comprises a urethane rod.
10. The shock module of claim 3, wherein the resilient element has
a diameter of between about 10 and 20 mm.
11. The shock module of claim 3, wherein the resilient element has
a precompressed axial length of no more than about 70 mm.
12. The shock module of claim 3, further comprising an o-ring
placed under the distal end of the inner support member.
13. The shock module of claim 3, further comprising a
precompression member that keeps the resilient element in
precompression.
14. An impact and torque absorbing lower limb prosthesis
comprising: an upper support member; a lower support member, said
upper and lower support members being coaxially supported relative
to one another and capable of relative rotation and axial
translation; a resilient element resisting axial displacement of
the support members; a torque resisting cuff providing torsional
resistance to relative rotational motion between said support
members wherein said cuff has a generally tubular shape and is
proximally attached to an outer surface of one of said support
members and distally attached to an outer surface of the other of
said support members; an adapter operably connected to said upper
support member for proximally attaching said prosthesis to a
stump-supporting socket or intermediate device; and a prosthetic
foot member having a ground contacting portion adapted to contact a
ground surface operably connected to said lower support member;
wherein the vertical height from the ground contacting portion of
the foot to the top of the adapter is about 160 mm or less.
15. The prosthesis of claim 14, wherein the maximum axial length of
the shock module is no more than about 130 mm.
16. The prosthesis of claim 14, wherein the precompressed axial
length of the resilient member is no more than about 70 mm.
17. The prosthesis of claim 14, wherein the diameter of the
resilient member is no more than about 20 mm.
18. The prosthesis of claim 14, wherein the vertical height from
the ground contacting portion of the foot to the top of the adapter
is no more than about 140 mm.
19. A shock module comprising: an upper support member and a lower
support member, said upper and lower support members being
coaxially supported relative to one another and capable of relative
rotation and axial translation; a torque resisting cuff providing
torsional resistance to relative rotational motion between said
support members, wherein said cuff has a generally tubular shape
and is proximally attached to an outer surface of one of said
support members and distally attached to an outer surface of the
other of said support members; and a resilient element resisting
axial displacement of the support members; wherein an upper end of
the lower support member extends into the space surrounded by the
torque resisting cuff.
20. The shock module of claim 19, wherein the upper end of the
lower support member extends higher than about the bottom quarter
of the axial length of the torque resisting cuff.
21. The shock module of claim 19, wherein the upper end of the
lower support member extends above a horizontal plane that bisects
the torque resisting cuff.
22. The shock module of claim 19, wherein the upper end of the
lower support member extends higher than about the bottom half of
the axial length of the torque resisting cuff.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/674,736, filed on Sep. 30, 2003, the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to lower limb
prostheses in general, and, in certain embodiments, to a low
profile shock module prosthesis having a resilient element and a
torque-resisting cuff permitting rotational compliance between the
lower leg and foot.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Various types of lower limb prostheses are known in the
prior art. Such devices generally include some form of attachment
for coupling the device to the dorsal end of the limb and for
extending to the ground to provide body support. Moreover, these
devices generally constitute attempts to simulate the structure
and/or the performance of the human leg and foot.
[0006] The various prostheses known in the prior art include some
prostheses designed for people who have long residual limbs. For
these patients, the calf and shin functions as the stump for
prosthetic purposes. Thus, any prosthetic device utilized by the
patient must either be relatively compact so as to be attachable
below the point of amputation, or must be configured to accommodate
the patient's shin and calf while attached thereto or higher up on
the wearer's leg.
[0007] Among the features desirable in a lower limb prosthesis is
the incorporation of some means for providing impact absorption
and/or dampening during use of the prosthesis, without sacrificing
the ability to reliably and predictably support the amputee's body
weight. Such impact absorption permits the amputee to participate
in activities with comfort and minimal stump trauma, hence allowing
the amputee to be mobile for longer periods of time. Also desirable
is a convenient means to selectively adjust the degree of impact
absorption to suit the particular attributes (e.g., weight) and
activity (e.g., walking, running, jumping, etc.) of the
amputee.
[0008] Another desirable feature of lower limb prostheses is the
incorporation of some means for allowing rotational compliance of
the lower leg and foot relative to the stump of the amputee. Such
rotation is beneficial and simulates the action of a natural human
knee/ankle in a number of activities that involve the twisting of a
person's body with respect to their planted foot, such as golf,
tennis, and the like. Unrestrained compliance, however, is
undesirable, as the foot would be free to twist unnaturally. Thus,
it is desirable to incorporate a means for providing
torsion-resistance against the rotation of a lower leg and foot
relative to the stump of the amputee, and for returning the foot to
its natural forward orientation after each rotational movement.
[0009] Impact absorption in lower limb prostheses can be achieved
through the use of two or more elongated telescoping members with a
resilient means disposed therebetween. Axial forces acting on such
members cause relative longitudinal motion between them with the
resilient means providing energy storage and release. Due to the
vertical height of some of the pylons, those shock-absorbing
prostheses cannot accommodate the shin and calf of an amputee with
a long residual limb.
[0010] Thus, although the prior art illustrates many impact
absorbing prostheses, few, if any, are designed to be compact
enough for use by patients with long residual limbs. Furthermore,
none of the prior art sets forth a lower limb prosthesis for
amputees with long residual limbs that can provide both impact
absorption and rotational compliance with torsion-resistance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In accordance with one embodiment, the present invention
provides an impact and torque absorbing prosthetic shock module for
a low profile prosthesis to accommodate amputees with long residual
limbs. The shock module comprises an inner and an outer support
member each having a hollow cylindrical, tube shaped portion. The
two support members are coaxially aligned and telescopingly engaged
with one another. A resilient element resists axial displacement of
the support members providing shock absorption, and a
torque-resisting cuff provides resists relative rotational motion
between the support members providing torque absorption. In one
embodiment, precompression of the resilient element can help to
reduce the overall height of the shock module, as can a bearing
that improves the fit between the support members. In addition, in
some embodiments of the invention, the lower support member extends
into the space surrounded by the torque resisting cuff. Also, in
some embodiments, the torque-resisting cuff has a reduced
horizontal cross section that can aid in fitting the shock module
within a cosmetic ankle or cosmetic foot cover.
[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, the resilient
element can be removed allowing the prosthetist or amputee to
replace the resilient element. Different resilient elements can
provide different degrees of shock absorption. The resilient
element can be removed through removal of the fitting that attaches
the prosthesis to a socket or an intermediate prosthetic
device.
[0013] In some embodiments of the invention, the shock module has a
height of no more than about 150 mm, more preferably no more than
about 130 mm, and even more preferably no more than about 120 mm.
Also, in some embodiments of the invention, the lower support
member has a base with an inclined attachment section designed to
correspond with an inclined attachment section on a prosthetic
foot. That type of attachment can allow for a lower profile since
the inclined portion of the prosthetic foot can continue to slope
upward behind the shock module.
[0014] In one embodiment, the shock module comprises inner and
outer support members which are coaxially supported relative to one
another and capable of relative rotation and axial translation. The
shock module also comprises a resilient element that resists axial
displacement of the support members, and a torque resisting cuff.
The torque-resisting cuff provides torsional resistance to relative
rotational motion between the support members and has a generally
tubular shape. The cuff is proximally attached to an outer surface
of one of the support members and is distally attached to an outer
surface of the other support member. The shock module further
comprises an adapter for proximally attaching the shock module to a
stump supporting socket or intermediate device. The adapter can be
at least partly removed to allow replacement of the resilient
element.
[0015] In another embodiment, the shock module comprises inner and
outer support members which are coaxially supported relative to one
another and capable of relative rotation and axial translation. The
shock module further comprises a precompressed resilient element
that resists axial displacement of the support members. A generally
tubular shaped torque resisting cuff provides torsional resistance
to relative rotational motion between the support members. The cuff
is proximally attached to an outer surface of one of the support
members and is distally attached to an outer surface of the other
support member. The shock module also comprises an adapter for
proximally attaching the shock module to a stump-supporting socket
or intermediate device.
[0016] In yet another embodiment, an impact and torque absorbing
lower limb prosthesis comprises upper and lower support members
that are coaxially supported relative to one another and capable of
relative rotation and axial translation. The prosthesis further
comprises a resilient element that resists axial displacement of
the support members. The prosthesis also comprises a torque
resisting cuff with a generally tubular shape. The torque resisting
cuff provides torsional resistance to relative rotational motion
between the support members, and it is proximally attached to an
outer surface of one of the support members and distally attached
to an outer surface of the other support member. In addition, the
prosthesis comprises an adapter operably connected to the upper
support member for proximally attaching the shock module to a
stump-supporting socket or intermediate device. Operably connected
to the lower support member is a prosthetic foot member that has a
ground contacting portion adapted to contact a ground surface. The
vertical height from the ground contacting portion of the foot to
the top of the adapter in one embodiment is about 150 mm or
less.
[0017] In another embodiment, a shock module comprises upper and
lower support members that are coaxially supported relative to one
another and are capable of relative rotation and axial translation.
The shock module further comprises a torque resisting cuff that
provides torsional resistance to relative rotational motion between
the support members. The torque resisting cuff, which has a
generally tubular shape, is proximally attached to an outer surface
of one of the support members and distally attached to an outer
surface of the other support member. The shock module also
comprises a resilient element that resists axial displacement of
the support members. In this embodiment, the upper end of the lower
support member extends into the space surrounded by the torque
resisting cuff.
[0018] In still another embodiment, a shock module comprises upper
and lower support members that are coaxially supported relative to
one another and capable of relative rotation and axial translation.
The shock module also comprises a generally tubular shaped torque
resisting cuff that provides torsional resistance to relative
rotational motion between the support members. The torque resisting
cuff is proximally attached to an outer surface of one of the
support members and is distally attached to an outer surface of the
other support member. A resilient element resists axial
displacement of the support members. In this embodiment, the lower
support member comprises a base at its lower end. In addition, the
base comprises at least a partially inclined attachment surface for
attaching the shock module to a prosthetic foot member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] A general architecture that implements the various features
of certain embodiments of the invention will now be described with
reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated
descriptions are provided to illustrate embodiments of the
invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Throughout
the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate
correspondence between referenced elements.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lower limb prosthesis
illustrating one embodiment of a shock module having features and
advantages in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a lower limb
prosthesis illustrating one embodiment of a shock module having
features and advantages in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the shock module of FIG. 1, illustrating a preferred embodiment of
the adapter.
[0023] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the shock module of FIG. 1, illustrating a preferred embodiment of
the adapter in an open position.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a lower limb
prosthesis illustrating one embodiment of a shock module having
features and advantages in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a lower limb
prosthesis illustrating an alternate embodiment of a shock module
having features and advantages in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] FIGS. 1-4 show one embodiment of a lower limb prosthesis 10
comprising a shock module 11. For purposes of illustration the
prosthesis 10 is shown as also comprising a prosthetic foot 12 with
a wedge piece 38, in this case an LP VariFlex.RTM. foot available
from Ossur North America, Inc. of Aliso Viejo, Calif. It will be
appreciated that the cross-section of the foot shown in FIGS. 2, 4,
and 5 is purely illustrative, and does not include the slot which
may bifurcate the foot in certain embodiments. The LP VariFlex.RTM.
foot is described in further detail in Applicant's application
entitled "Low Profile Prosthetic Foot," Ser. No. 10/642,125, filed
on Aug. 15, 2003, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by
reference. It will of course be appreciated that shock module 11
can be used with any desired prosthetic foot. In certain preferred
embodiments, the prosthetic foot 12 is low profile, and in one
embodiment has a height h.sub.1, shown in FIG. 4, not greater than
about 50 mm.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, shock module 11 includes an inner
support member 1 and an outer support member 2 each having a hollow
cylindrical, tube shaped portion. The support members 1 and 2 are
coaxially aligned and telescopingly engaged with one another. In
the embodiment shown, inner support member 1 is an upper support
member, and outer support member 2 is a lower support member,
though these may be reversed. Preferably, support members 1 and 2
are slidingly and rotationally interengaged with each other while
retaining their operative horizontal alignment with each other
through a relatively close fit between the outside dimensions of
inner support member 1 and the inside dimensions of outer support
member 2. The support members 1 and 2 are preferably fabricated
from a strong lightweight material, such as, for example, a carbon
graphite and epoxy composite. Alternatively, one or both of the
support members may be fabricated from a lightweight metal, such as
age-hardened aluminum, or other metal, such as titanium. It will be
appreciated that, in alternate embodiments, the support members 1
and 2 may have various different cross sectional shapes including
but not limited to the following: square, rectangle, triangle,
oval, or polygon.
[0028] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, a flange bearing 5 can
be placed between the inner support member 1 and the outer support
member 2 to improve the fit and the interengagement of the support
members 1 and 2. With a better fit between the support members 1
and 2 the length that the support members overlap h.sub.6 can be
reduced which can help reduce the overall height h.sub.2 of the
shock module 11. The flange portion of the bearing 5 lies along the
top edge of the outer support member 2. The bearing 5 which extends
downward along the inside surface of the outer support member 2,
can be sized for the inner support member 1 using a sizing pin and
arbor press. The bearing is preferably fabricated from a low
friction material such as Teflon.RTM..
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the lower end of outer support member 2
has a solid portion or base 15 that forms an attachment section for
attaching the shock module 11 to a prosthetic foot 12. In one
embodiment, the lower end of the outer support member 2 can be
removably attached to a prosthetic foot having a horizontal
attachment section using bolts, a strap or other means.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, the prosthetic foot has an
inclined surface 16, with bolt 36 attaching the prosthetic foot to
the base 15 The base 15 preferably is also inclined to correspond
to the prosthetic foot 12, and the base 15 and the surface 16 are
bolted to one another. Thus, the outer or lower support 2 has two
lengths, a longer length h.sub.5 and a shorter length h.sub.8. This
arrangement allows for a lower profile, because the inclined
portion of the prosthetic foot can continue to slope upward even
behind the shock module 11. It will be appreciated that the shock
module 11 can be attached by other means, such as those described
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,826 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,512, the
entirety of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, shock module 11 includes a resilient
element 3 for providing impact absorption during use of the
prosthesis 10 by resisting relative axial displacement of the two
support members 1 and 2. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient
element 3 is a precompressed rod comprising urethane; however,
other embodiments of this invention can include different types of
resilient elements such as a spring or a compressible fluid or
combination thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a base plug
9 and an adjustment plug 8 act with inner support member 1 to keep
the resilient element 3 in a precompressed state. The plugs may be
made of a polymeric material such as polyurethane, for example
Delrin.RTM.. The solid portion or base 15 of outer support member 2
also provides a generally horizontal surface at the bottom of the
hollow cylindrical interior portion of the outer support member 2.
As shown in FIG. 1, base plug 9 sits on the generally horizontal
surface at the bottom of the hollow interior portion of outer
support member 2. An o-ring 14 is placed around base plug 9 on the
surface at the bottom of the hollow interior portion of outer
support member 2. The o-ring 14 keeps base plug 9 in place and
maintains enough space for the inner support member 1 to slide
between the inside surface of the outer support member 2 and the
base plug 9. The inner support member 1 is positioned above the
o-ring 14 inside of the outer support member 2. The resilient
element 3 is placed inside of the inner support member 1 with its
distal end 17 resting on top of the base plug 9. An adjustment plug
8 secured at the proximal end 20 of the inner support member 1
presses against the proximal end 18 of the resilient element 3
holding it in a precompressed state. Precompression of the
resilient member can aid in adjusting the compression and
stiffness. In certain preferred embodiments, the resilient member
has a precompressed axial length h.sub.7 of between about 50 and 70
mm, and in one embodiment, about 63 mm.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, a torque-resisting cuff 4 provides
torsion resistance to the prosthesis and also keeps dirt and other
debris from getting between the support members 1 and 2 and
affecting their relative motion. The cuff 4 may be configured to
provide some additional impact resistance. The cuff 4 is proximally
attached to inner support member 1 and distally attached to outer
support member 2. Preferably, the cuff 4 has a sufficient axial
length h.sub.4 between its proximal 22 and distal 23 ends to
provide a desired amount of torsion-resistance. The axial length
h.sub.4 in one embodiment is between about 40 and 60 mm, and in one
embodiment, about 47 mm. To accommodate the axial length of an
appropriately sized cuff 4 while keeping the module 11 compact, the
cuff 4 is preferably attached to the inner support member 1 at an
intermediate location between its proximal 20 and distal 24 ends
and is attached to the outer support member 2 at an intermediate
location between its proximal 21 and distal ends 25. In one
embodiment, the axial length of the torque resisting cuff h.sub.4
is greater than about half the axial length of the inner support
member h.sub.9. Preferably, both attachments are made via ring
clamps 13 and 19. In the embodiment shown, lower ring clamp 13
preferably surrounds inner and outer support members 1 and 2 around
a lower portion of resilient rod 3, and upper ring clamp 19
preferably surrounds inner support member 1, but not outer support
member 2, around an upper portion of resilient rod 3. As
illustrated, outer support member 2 thus extends proximally into
the space within cuff 4.
[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, cuff 4 has a generally
tubular dual-layered configuration. According to this
configuration, an inner layer preferably comprises a resilient
material such as rubber. The thickness of the inner layer affects
the impact resistance and torsion-resistance of the shock module
11. A desired level of impact resistance is obtainable by providing
a relatively thin inner layer. If the inner layer is too thick, it
will increase the impact resistance to an undesirable level.
However, this thickness might not provide sufficient
torsion-resistance. Thus, an outer layer is provided to increase
the torsion-resistance. The outer layer preferably comprises a
knitted fabric consisting of a combination of various fibers, such
as spectrafiber, kevlar, nylon, and polyester. The combination of
fibers is advantageously selected to provide sufficient elasticity
to accommodate the outward expansion of the inner resilient layer,
and also to provide sufficient strength and resistance to torsion.
Different outer layers may be offered providing different ranges of
torsional stiffness.
[0033] The fiber pattern of the outer layer of the cuff 4 affects
both the impact resistance and torsion-resistance of the shock
module 11. If the fibers are aligned substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axes of the support members 1 and 2, the cuff 4
provides relatively more impact resistance and relatively less
torsion-resistance. Conversely, if the fibers are aligned
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the support
members, the cuff 4 provides relatively less impact resistance and
relatively more torsion-resistance. Preferably, the fibers of the
knitted fabric are substantially oriented at an angle from the
longitudinal axes of the support members, to achieve a suitable
balance between the degrees of impact within the range of about 30
to 60 degrees, more preferably within the range of about 40 to 50
degrees, and most preferably about 45 degrees. Moreover, the fibers
are preferably arranged in a criss-cross pattern.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the inner support member 1 preferably
has an enlarged outside diameter at its proximal end 20,
approximately equal to the outside diameter of the outer support
member 2. Similarly, the proximal end 21 of the outer support
member 2 that extends inside of cuff 4 has a reduced outside
diameter to prevent it from interfering with the cuff 4 when the
module 11 is uncompressed. This allows the cuff 4 to have a nearly
straight vertical position when the shock module 11 is uncompressed
which can help to reduce the effective horizontal cross section of
the cuff 4 at maximum compression. The cuff 4 may be positioned
within a cosmetic ankle or cosmetic foot cover allowing it to be
positioned closer to the ground to keep total height of the
prosthesis low enough to accommodate amputees with long residual
limbs. A cuff with a smaller cross section can better fit within a
cosmetic ankle or a cosmetic foot cover. In certain preferred
embodiments, the torque resisting cuff has a maximum uncompressed
diameter d.sub.1 of between about 40 and 50 mm, and in one
embodiment, about 44 mm. Similarly, reducing the diameter of the
resilient member d.sub.2 can help to reduce the effective
horizontal cross section of the shock module. In certain preferred
embodiments, the resilient member has a maximum diameter d.sub.2 of
between about 10 and 20 mm, and in one embodiment, between about 15
and 17 mm.
[0035] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate one example of an attachment
construction for attaching the proximal end 26 of the shock module
11 to a stump supporting socket. A variety of other suitable
attachment constructions could also be used without departing from
the teachings of this invention. According to a preferred
attachment construction, a male pyramid fitting 6 is fixed to the
proximal end 20 of inner support member 1 and is adapted to be
coupled to a female pyramid fitting. This assembly allows the shock
module 11 to be proximally attached to a broad selection of
prosthetic sockets or other intermediate prosthetic devices, such
as a prosthetic knee. Fitting 6 is preferably removably attached to
the inner support member 1 with a pinch bolt 7 so that fitting 6
can be removed from the shock module 11 to allow for replacement of
the resilient member 3 as shown in FIG. 2B. Alternatively, fitting
6 may be removably attached to the inner support member 1 through
the use of a hinge or a threaded engagement between the exterior
surface of the fitting and the interior surface of the inner
support member 1. In another embodiment, fitting 6 may be
adhesively bonded to the inner support member 1, using for example,
3M #420/460 toughened epoxy. Fitting 6 is preferably formed from
titanium, but may be formed from other suitable materials keeping
in mind the goals of strength, light-weight, and maintaining a
strong bond/attachment to the inner support member 1.
[0036] During the gait cycle of normal ambulation there is axial
motion between the support members 1 and 2. Upon heel strike, the
inner support member 1 begins to slide down to cause the
aforementioned resilient element 3 to compress and store energy.
Maximum compression and storage of energy occurs as the amputee's
weight shifts from the heel region of the prosthetic foot towards
the toe region. Then, as the amputee's weight shifts closer to the
toe region, the resilient element begins to expand and release
stored energy, providing beneficial lift and thrust forces to the
amputee. A prosthetist, or the amputee, can adjust the degree of
impact absorption by selectively replacing the resilient element 3.
In one embodiment, the maximum axial displacement between the
support members is no more than about 20 mm, more preferably no
more than about 15 mm, and in one embodiment, about 9-10 mm.
[0037] Shock module 11 provides smooth rotational compliance of the
prosthesis. Cuff 4 is designed to resist the relative rotation of
support member 1 and 2, and at the same time provide some
rotational compliance therebetween. As support members 1 and 2,
rotate relative to each other, the top and bottom ends of cuff 4
are likewise twisted with respect to one another. However, the cuff
4 is resistant to such twisting and provides a torsional force
opposite to the direction of rotation/twisting. Moreover, as a
particular twisting motion is enhanced, the oppositely directed
torsional force increases. Thus, the cuff 4 operates like a torsion
spring, in that it resists any incremental rotation of the support
members 1 and 2, relative to each other.
[0038] In addition, shock module 11 may be short enough to
accommodate the needs of amputees with long residual limbs. The
shock module 11 can be offered in several different heights and
sizes to accommodate a variety of different needs. The total height
h.sub.3 of a lower limb prosthesis including this shock module and
not including a cosmetic cover in one embodiment is about 160 mm or
less, more preferably within the range of about 140 mm to 160 mm.
For example, one embodiment has a total height of 145 mm, another
embodiment has a total height of 152 mm, and another has a total
height of 157 mm.
[0039] In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the anterior
section 32 of the base 15 can comprise an edge 30 that curves
upwards and away from the prosthetic foot 12. In this embodiment,
the base 15 is configured to roll-up onto the foot member 12. As
shown in FIG. 5, the edge 30 curves at a radius R such that the
base 15 rolls-up onto the foot member 12 during motion of the foot.
The radius of curvature R is preferably between about 0.5 and 4 cm.
In certain preferred embodiments, the radius of curvature R is
about 1 cm. However, the edge 30 need not be curved or have a
radius R for the base 15 to roll-up onto the prosthetic foot 12. In
another embodiment (not shown), the base 15 of the shock module 11
may be substantially flat and extend from the posterior section 34
to the anterior section 32 so as to define a longitudinal gap
between the base 15 and the foot member 12. Accordingly, during
motion of the foot, the anterior portion 32 can move relative to,
or roll-up onto, the prosthetic foot 12. In another embodiment (not
shown), the base 15 can comprise a flat portion and a curved
portion. For example, the base 15 can have a generally flat portion
at the posterior section 34 and a generally curved portion at the
anterior section 32. In another embodiment (not shown), the base 15
can have a generally curved portion at the posterior end 34 and a
generally flat portion at the anterior section 32. In still another
embodiment (not shown), the base 15 can comprise multiple generally
flat portions, or ledges, each inclined at a different angle
relative to the support surface 16. The roll-up feature of this
embodiment is described in further detail in applicant's
application entitled Low Profile Prosthetic Foot, Ser. No.
10/642,125, filed on Aug. 15, 2003, the entirety of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0040] Further details of shock modules and prosthetic feet that
include features that may be incorporated into the embodiments
above are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,826 and U.S. Pat. No.
6,511,512, the entirety of both of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0041] Although the foregoing invention has been described in terms
of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure
herein. Additionally, other combinations, omissions, substitutions
and modifications will be apparent to the skilled artisan in view
of the disclosure herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not
intended to be limited by the reaction of the preferred
embodiments, but is to be defined by reference to the appended
claims.
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